Tag: Le Ponant
Freshly refurbished Le Ponant hoists sails again
PONANT’s iconic three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant, which was the founding ship where the PONANT story began, has undergone a major renovation ahead of her voyage to Australia to set sail for her inaugural Kimberley season in 2023.
After several months undergoing renovation at the San Giorgio del Porto yard in Italy, the yacht offers a remarkably private setting and has been entirely updated with cutting edge eco-responsible innovations. After an exclusive collection of itineraries in the Mediterranean, Le Ponant will spend the winter in the Seychelles before arriving in Australia in April 2023.
The newly imagined Le Ponant is an invitation to go sailing whilst recharging the batteries on voyages that respect the world around, where privacy and exploring with others go hand in hand with eco-responsibility.
When luxury and privacy combine with the magic of travel and eco-responsible navigation
Thirty years after her launch, Le Ponant has been transformed to provide guests with a unique travel experience. After undergoing a complete renovation, the ship now accommodates just 32 guests with a 1:1 passenger to crew ratio. The sleek, refined layout was designed by the Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and Sterling Design International to create a sense of luxury, privacy and tranquillity that makes guests feel as if they are on their own private sailing yacht.
The 4 passenger decks provide 16 spacious staterooms including a 60m2 Owner’s Suite on the upper deck ‘Zephyr’ with a private balcony. The common areas have been refitted to allow guests to fully enjoy the panoramic gastronomic restaurant; to re-energise in the spa, wellness area or gym; or relax in the sun lounge area in an ambiance of quiet contemplation.
In line with the company’s policy, Le Ponant reflects an ongoing commitment to a more responsible tourism. The sailing ship is equipped with all the latest technologies to optimise emissions reduction: connecting to electricity grids where available in ports, using the sails, an innovative SCR filter system to eliminate fine particles and cut nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, sorting waste and latest generation wastewater treatment. Every guest experience has been thought through to help protect the environment and heritage, such as non-motorised water sports and individual or small-group landings at ports of call with the focus on local heritage.
Uncrowded, Le Ponant offers guests the ultimate luxury invitation to enjoy authentic experiences and moments of rare privilege close to nature, under sail as the preferred mode of travel. On board, an expedition leader and naturalist guides share their unrivalled knowledge as they discover unusual treasures at sea and during ports of call. In addition to exclusive activities, on board and off, guests enjoy exquisite cuisine based on locally sourced ingredients.
Aboard Le Ponant, every detail has been included to offer a timeless experience; a voyage that awakens the senses within a bubble of exploration at its most authentic.
Le Ponant’s transformation
Le Ponant, PONANT’s iconic three-masted sailboat, is undergoing a transformation to offer guests an exclusive travel experience. Entirely refurbished with a sophisticated new design by Jean-Philippe Nuel studio.
From June 2022, this legendary sailing ship will set sail again, offering tailor-made itineraries off the beaten track in Greece and Croatia. Sales are now open for 20 departures and 3 new itineraries.
On the programme, exclusive ports of call, sublime and wild landscapes, and a series of immersive activities including glass-bottomed kayaking, snorkelling, stand up paddleboarding, cycling and hiking, all in tune with nature.
“Croatia, under the sails of Le Ponant”
Pomalo – a word that means ‘living outside of time’ in Croatian – sets the tone for this sailing which will reveal the riches and wonders of the Dalmatian coast, Croatia and Montenegro. Le Ponant will sail from Dubrovnik to the magnificent Bay of Kotor, before dropping anchor near Mljet, an island renowned for its national park, Korcula, Komiza and the island of Vis, Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, the delightful Pučišća, and finally the Elaphite archipelago.
Dubrovnik, Croatia – Dubrovnik, Croatia – 8 days, 7 nights – 12 sailings from June to August 2022
“Island hopping from Dubrovnik to Athens”
On this unique cruise, Le Ponant will sail to the Peloponnese, to the island of Paxos, the port of Fiskardo on the island of Kefalonia, very close to Ithaca, the fortified peninsula of Monemvasia, the island of Kythnos and its scrubland landscapes, and finally Lavrio, a peaceful marina near Athens. Magnificent landscapes, full of emotion and history, between the Ionian and Aegean Seas.
Dubrovnik, Croatia – Lavrio, Greece – 7 days, 6 nights – From 28 August to 3 September 2022
“The Cyclades, in the wake of Le Ponant”
This sailing is an invitation to rediscover the wonders of the Greek archipelago, its islands of white rock, their picturesque white houses and the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. From the port of Lavrio, a short distance from Athens, Le Ponant will set sail for the Cyclades and the Saronic Islands with exclusive ports of call in Tinos, Polyaigos, Folegandros, Monemvasia, Kythnos, and finally Spetses.
Lavrio, Greece – Lavrio, Greece – 8 days, 7 nights – 7 sailings from September to October 2022
Bookings for summer 2022 departures now open
Image Credits: ©PONANT_Studio Jean-Philippe